![]() ![]() This is usually accomplished by having upfiring drivers in the main enclosure, and sometimes also in the rear satellites. Some new models include Dolby Atmos and/or DTS:X, newer immersive sound technology that adds the element of height to speaker systems. If you want true surround sound, buy a soundbar with a subwoofer and rear speakers (preferably wireless) for multichannel sound. Audition soundbars in a store if you can, and ask about returns and exchanges if the one you bought doesn’t suit you once you get it home.ĭecide how many channels you want. If you simply want to enhance your TV sound, a soundbar with 2.1 channels (two front channels and a separate subwoofer) could be enough. Try them out. Soundbars with similar scores in our ratings for sound quality are likely to sound different from each other because of the way they handle various frequencies and how they interact with the acoustics in your room. Some also have, or let you add, rear satellite speakers to create a true surround-sound experience. Many soundbars come with a wireless subwoofer that you can put almost anywhere in a room, even out of sight. Models that support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X 3D audio typically also have upfiring speakers to create a sense of height. Some have drivers that angle outward toward the sides of a room or are located on the sides of the bar to create a broader sound environment. Models with three speakers in the main enclosure typically have a center channel, which can help improve the intelligibility of dialogue in TV shows and movies. Soundbars can have anywhere from two to five-or even more-speakers in the main enclosure. For smaller TVs, consider one that’s no wider than the screen. For larger TVs, consider a longer model for a wider stereo image (the spatial location of the sound). Some models, often from the same brand as your TV, are designed to fit between the TV’s legs. ![]() Most soundbar speakers are about 30 inches or longer and can be mounted on a wall or placed on a shelf above or below a TV. Some come with popular voice systems, such as Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit (with Siri), or Google Assistant built in, while others require the use of another voice-enabled smart speaker to respond to voice commands. One other thing to consider: Do you want the ability to use your voice to control the speaker? Many soundbars are now smart speakers that can respond to voice commands to raise the volume, change inputs, and sometimes control a TV or other smart devices in your home. But there are also some newer, pricier models with multiple speaker arrays and powerful subwoofers that have enough sonic oomph to fill even a larger room. ![]() Many inexpensive soundbars can be great if you have a small or medium space and want a simple way to enhance your TV’s sound. Note that many less-expensive soundbars have less power and fewer features than a component audio system, so they’re not the best choice for a very large room for audiophiles craving a theaterlike experience. That means a soundbar with an average rating for sound will sound better than a TV with an average rating. We judge them more like speakers designed for listening to music. In our ratings, a soundbar speaker is held to a higher standard than a TV for audio quality. Here’s an important note for CR members, who can access all of our ratings. You can spend as little as $100 or more than $1,000. ![]() Soundbar speakers are found in a wide range of prices. There are also pedestal-style soundbars, called sound bases, that your TV can sit on, but they’ve become rare as TV sizes have become larger. Most soundbars are mounted on a wall or placed on a shelf above or below the TV. Some soundbars have a separate subwoofer, usually wireless, and a few have rear speakers to create a full surround-sound system. It will have several speakers and the electronics to power it in one thin enclosure that you connect to your TV, with no need for a receiver. One great-and increasingly popular-option is to add a soundbar. You’ll notice the shortcomings the most if you’re watching a movie or TV show with a dramatic soundtrack. Only about one-third of the 350-plus televisions in our TV ratings can deliver satisfying sound quality. A quick look at our TV ratings will show that while many TVs these days offer great picture quality, that’s not as true for sound. ![]()
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